The history of guitar pickups began during the big band era of the 1930s and 40s, when swing music’s large brass sections overshadowed the acoustic guitar. The need for amplification led to the invention of the electric guitar and its integral component: the guitar pickup. Early pickups transformed string vibrations into electrical signals, which were then amplified to produce the guitar’s sound through speakers.
By the mid-1930s, guitar pickups began to evolve from their primitive designs, with innovators like Harry DeArmond contributing to the first commercially available magnetic pickups. These pickups consisted of a magnet wrapped in a coil of wire, inducing an electrical current when strings vibrated. It marked a significant leap forward in guitar amplification technology, allowing guitarists to be heard alongside loud brass instruments and drums.
As the electric guitar gained popularity, the technology of pickups progressed. The 1930s to the 1950s were a particularly vibrant time for this aspect of electric guitar development, witnessing the birth of various pickup types, including the iconic single-coil pickups. These advancements not only supported guitarists in volume but also played a key role in defining the tonal characteristics of electric guitars, shaping the sound of modern music.
The Birth of the Electric Pickup
The electric guitar pickup, a device critical to the amplification of string vibrations into electrical signals, traces its roots back to the early 20th century. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that the electric pickup as we know it began to take shape.
The first commercially viable electric guitar pickup was developed by the Gibson Guitar Corporation. In 1935, Gibson introduced the ES-150 model, which featured a bar-style pickup that would later be known as the “Charlie Christian pickup” due to its association with the pioneering jazz guitarist Charlie Christian. This pickup was a significant advancement in the design and technology of electric guitars, allowing for greater volume and sustain that was not possible with acoustic guitars.
Charlie Christian, born in 1916, was a key figure in the popularization of the electric guitar and its pickup. He began playing the Gibson ES-150 around 1936, and his innovative playing style showcased the potential of the electric guitar as a lead instrument in a band setting.
Christian’s use of the electric guitar in Benny Goodman’s band brought the instrument into the limelight and inspired a generation of guitarists. His virtuosic solos and the warm, clear tone he achieved with the ES-150’s pickup contributed to the guitar’s evolution from a rhythm section instrument to a solo voice.
The Charlie Christian pickup was distinctive for its clarity and richness, which helped to lay the foundation for modern electric guitar sound. Christian’s impact was so profound that his name became synonymous with the pickup itself, forever linking him to the history of electric guitar innovation.
Technological Advancements
The path of guitar pickup innovation has been marked by a transformation of sound and capability. These advancements significantly changed the voice of the electric guitar and bass, starting with single-coils and proceeding to the invention of humbuckers, which addressed issues like noise interference. The development of active and passive designs offered guitarists a wider sonic palette.
From Single-Coils to Humbuckers
Single-coil pickups, characteristic of early Fender guitars, are known for their bright and crisp tones. However, they were susceptible to electromagnetic interference, leading to unwanted hum. To combat this, Seth Lover, an engineer for Gibson, developed the PAF humbucker in the 1950s. Unlike single-coils, humbuckers use two coils wired together in such a way that noise is cancelled out while preserving the guitar’s tone. This development secured Gibson’s place in history, particularly in models like the Les Paul.
Notably distinct from both single-coils and humbuckers is the P-90 pickup, a single-coil with a wider bobbin that produces a warmer sound, halfway between the typical single-coil twang and humbucker richness.
Active vs. Passive Pickups
Passive pickups, such as Fender’s single-coils and Gibson’s PAF humbuckers, rely purely on the magnet and coil structure to generate the guitar’s signal. This classic technology is known for its dynamic response and natural tone. These pickups reflect the pure sound of the strings with minimal coloration.
In contrast, active pickups like those made by EMG use a battery-powered preamp to boost the signal, offering a consistent, low-noise output and increased control over the guitar’s tone. Active pickups provide a more compressed tone and greater signal clarity, which is especially useful for styles that demand high levels of precision and clean articulation, like metal and progressive rock.
Design and Materials
The construction of guitar pickups involves specific materials for the magnetic core and housing, each contributing distinct characteristics to the instrument’s tone.
Magnetic Core Variations
The magnetic core of a guitar pickup profoundly influences its sound. Typical materials for the core include Alnico III magnets, known for their warm, soft sound with smooth highs and a solid low end, and ceramic magnets, which offer a sharper tone with increased output and sustain. A coil of wire, usually made from copper, is wrapped around the magnet, with the number of windings impacting the pickup’s overall output and tone.
- Alnico III: Warmer tones with less edge
- Ceramic Magnet: Brighter, more pronounced output
Innovation in Pickup Housing
The housing encompasses the pickup’s design and materials beyond the core, like the choice of metal cover or the use of wood. The shape and materials can affect the magnetic field and thus the pickup’s tonal quality. A metal cover can protect the coil and contribute to the pickup’s aesthetic, while some guitarists prefer the look and feel of a wooden housing for a vintage vibe.
- Metal Cover: Typically found in classic humbucker designs, providing shielding from interference
- Wood Housing: Offers a unique appearance and may affect the tonal characteristics subtly
By using different materials and designs, manufacturers tailor pickups to meet a range of sonic preferences and playing styles.
